Confession time: I was never invested in this series and that was a mistake. Kuang put her characters through an emotional ringer and I was simply an observer on the sidelines. As I approached the final chapters of the series I realized the growth, struggles and loss of all characters has been significant. At that moment I knew I under-appreciated the story and what Kuang put together as a conclusion to the series.

The reasons for why I didn't embrace the book fully could be attributed to the historical fiction genre, a hangover from months in Sanderson's Cosmere, or the slow start of Poppy War. Whatever the reason I kept reading and powered through the books because after the fire and ash settled of the most recent battle the political struggles, strategies fighting in an evolving war and unclear alliances kept me coming back for more.

The Burning God may have been the strongest of the series because of exploring the trials and tribulations of Rin's army. What I enjoyed the most was what happened after war. Most books would have stopped at a climactic battle but The Burning God went in to the realities nations face when the battle is done.

I never knew where some characters stood, if they were friend or foe, or if it was intentionally vague because allegiances change based on who is in command. The smuggler Moag referenced this in receiving goods from an enemy after battle because after battle it's just business.